Specifications, Uses, Compliance & Installation Guide for KSA & GCC
The indication of buried cables and conduits is obligatory for safety and future maintenance as well as for infrastructures over projects such as electrical power networks, telecommunications, utilities, and underground service installations. The use of warning tapes, although very simple, is still extremely important and contributes significantly to the prevention of accidents, expensive repairs, and safety risks.
The Saudi Electricity Warning Tapes – Power Cable Yellow Color are made specifically for warning applications related to electrical cables in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) areas. These tapes are installed directly above the buried power cable lines; they serve as a visual deterrent and at the same time, they notify the excavators, construction teams, and maintenance personnel of the presence of high-voltage electrical lines. Due to the local laws that are in force, the Gulf’s extreme weather conditions, and the urban-rural differences, these warning tapes need to have qualities like durability, UV resistance, and a long service life in all areas.
Saudi Electricity warning tapes for power cables are bright yellow polyethylene tapes printed with cautionary messages indicating the presence of underground electrical lines. Installed during civil works, trenching, or duct laying, these tapes act as a visual warning barrier positioned above buried power cables so that anyone excavating later can easily identify the presence of a live electrical network.
In KSA and the Gulf region, warning tapes are essential for compliance with utility safety norms, contractor specifications, and project health and safety requirements. The typical design includes a yellow base color (internationally recognized for electrical hazard warnings) with bold, contrasting text such as:
“CAUTION – ELECTRIC CABLE BELOW”
“WARNING – HIGH VOLTAGE POWER CABLE”
“SAUDI ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY – ELECTRICAL CABLE”
These messages alert workers and service teams to use appropriate caution.
The indication of buried cables and conduits is obligatory for safety and future maintenance as well as for infrastructures over projects such as electrical power networks, telecommunications, utilities, and underground service installations. The use of warning tapes, although very simple, is still extremely important and contributes significantly to the prevention of accidents, expensive repairs, and safety risks.
The Saudi Electricity Warning Tapes – Power Cable Yellow Color are made specifically for warning applications related to electrical cables in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) areas. These tapes are installed directly above the buried power cable lines; they serve as a visual deterrent and at the same time, they notify the excavators, construction teams, and maintenance personnel of the presence of high-voltage electrical lines. Due to the local laws that are in force, the Gulf’s extreme weather conditions, and the urban-rural differences, these warning tapes need to have qualities like durability, UV resistance, and a long service life in all areas.
Saudi Electricity warning tapes for power cables are bright yellow polyethylene tapes printed with cautionary messages indicating the presence of underground electrical lines. Installed during civil works, trenching, or duct laying, these tapes act as a visual warning barrier positioned above buried power cables so that anyone excavating later can easily identify the presence of a live electrical network.
In KSA and the Gulf region, warning tapes are essential for compliance with utility safety norms, contractor specifications, and project health and safety requirements. The typical design includes a yellow base color (internationally recognized for electrical hazard warnings) with bold, contrasting text such as:
“CAUTION – ELECTRIC CABLE BELOW”
“WARNING – HIGH VOLTAGE POWER CABLE”
“SAUDI ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY – ELECTRICAL CABLE”
These messages alert workers and service teams to use appropriate caution.

The installation of warning tape for yellow power cables has been acknowledged as a very effective industry technique and it is also sometimes a requirement laid down by a contract for large-scale infrastructure jobs. The tape:
By putting a stop to accidental digging up of live wires, it also stops the subsequent problems that include power outages, injuries, or even worse death.
The warning informs the workers that they should be more careful when doing underground installations and future installation of new lines is going to be through existing lines.
It confirms adherence to the safety regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region where the utility works are governed by very strict rules.
It saves the cost of expensive downtime and cable damage through unplanned excavation.
The tape serves as a clear visual representation of the utilities present underground, especially in places where there is a mix of services (water, gas, telecom) along the same line.
The use of yellow warning tapes specifically designed for power cables by contractors indicates that they are not only adding an extra layer of safety but also that they are adhering to the already existing safety measures.
These tapes are used across multiple industries and infrastructure applications:
• Underground LV/MV/HV power cable installations
• Trunk electrical feeder routes
• Substation cable trenches
• Roads, highways, and bridges
• Residential and commercial developments
• Airport utility corridors
• Factories and process plants
• Power generation stations
• Renewable energy installations
• Multi-utility duct banks
• Smart grid and IoT backbone networks
Because these applications are common in Gulf construction and utility expansion programs, using the right warning tape significantly reduces the risk of damage and improves safety communication.
Saudi Electricity warning tapes of top-notch quality are made using robust materials that resist the severe conditions that are typical of KSA and the Gulf:
Usually, the selected material is polyethylene (PE) or PVC film, which are chosen for:
The bright yellow color is UV stabilized for:
Produced with:
Standard tapes vary in thickness from:
They are engineered for stable and intact performance in the operating ranges of:
They are resistant to:
All these material properties work together to make sure that the tape is still visible and intact underground after a long period.
Below are typical specifications that engineers and procurement teams use for Gulf projects:
| Specification Parameter | Typical Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Saudi Electricity Warning Tape – Power Cable Yellow Color |
| Material | High-strength polyethylene or PVC |
| Base Color | Yellow |
| Printing | Black / Red caution messages (varies) |
| Tape Width | 75 mm / 100 mm / 150 mm (custom options available) |
| Tape Thickness | 100–200 µm (microns) |
| Tensile Strength | 15–25 N/mm (varies by manufacturer) |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 300% |
| Temperature Range | –10°C to +85°C |
| UV Stabilization | Yes (long-term outdoor resistance) |
| Chemical Resistance | High (acid, salt, moisture resistant) |
| Printing | Permanent UV resistant ink |
| Compliance | Meets local safety norms in KSA & Gulf region |
| Packaging | Rolls wound on core |
The laying of the warning tape is an easy yet at the same time very important step that has to be carried out in the course of underground utilities construction. Here is a rundown on the way the task is performed.
Dig the trench for cables up to the specified depth as per the project drawings.
Put the electrical cable or tube in the trench.
If needed, before the trench is filled up, put a layer of protection (usually sand) on top of the cable.
Take the yellow warning tape out and position it about 5-10 cm above the cable or duct in the trench.
The tape must be placed horizontally over the entire width of the trench.
Soil used for the backfill should be put over the tape and compacted as indicated by specifications.
Make changes to the utility maps and write down the depth and position of tape placement for future reference.
In this way, the tape is laid down, and any workers who come to dig later will find the tape first, and hence accidental strikes will be avoided.
To ensure maximum safety and lifetime performance:
Yellow color is mandated for electrical warnings in many local and international standards.
Place tape at a uniform depth above buried cables (e.g., 10–20 cm).
Update as-built drawings or GIS records with tape depths and paths.
Ensure print messages are clear, permanent, and visible on the tape.
Keep the tape flat and continuous to improve visibility during excavation.
Although there is no one integrated Gulf standard for warning tapes, Yellow warning tape for power networks is in agreement with:
• The safety recommendations of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)
• Health and safety codes of the Gulf utility
• Specifications of local municipalities and civil engineering
• International best practice guidelines such as OSHA, IEC, and utility safety norms
The use of these tapes assures that the projects are compliant with the safety regulatory guidelines of the Gulf area.
Prevents accidents and avoids injuries from power cable strikes during excavation.
Aids in protecting expensive power network assets.
Supports compliance with utility and civil engineering standards.
Reduces repair costs and unplanned downtime.
UV stabilizers and weather resistance ensure long lifespan.
Simple to place and layer during backfill.
Should the tape be pushed down too much, there might be no contact with the tape prior to the hitting of the cable.
Using Low-Quality Material
The tape losing its visibility due to poor UV resistance is one of the poor-quality materials.
The use of a generic warning text will not be effective; it is always best to include the specific ones.
The absence of the tape location in the map can lead to misunderstandings in the future works.
During municipal road works in Riyadh, a construction crew encountered yellow warning tape 15 cm below ground. The tape alerted crews to stop digging, preventing a major power outage in the district.
In Dubai, multi-utility trenches used color-coded warning tapes. Yellow tape helped distinguish power ducts from telecom lines, reducing cross-utility damage during maintenance.
When evaluating suppliers and warning tapes, consider:
✔ Tape material quality and tensile strength
✔ UV stabilization and weather resistance
✔ Bold, permanent printing
✔ Compliance with KSA and Gulf safety norms
✔ Supplier traceability and documentation
✔ Available widths and thickness options
• Rolls are made on a core
• Wrapped in shrink film or put in a box for protection
• Product mark, width, and length information are on the labels
• Places with cool and dry conditions are the best
• Do not put in sunlight
• No contact with chemicals or sharp objects allowed
• Twisting should not be done excessively
• Unroll just when it is about to be installed
• Check before putting it in the trench
The Saudi Electricity Warning Tapes – Power Cable Yellow Color are a simple but critical safety product for all underground electrical installations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. By providing a highly visible and durable warning above buried cables, they help protect lives, infrastructure, and project continuity. Their robust material, UV resistance, clear printing, and easy installation make them indispensable in civil construction, utilities, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
For safe, compliant, and long-lasting power cable installations, using high-quality yellow warning tape is not just recommended — it’s essential.
1. What is the purpose of yellow warning tape for power cables?
It visually alerts excavation crews and maintenance workers to the presence of buried electrical lines before they reach the cable.
2. Where should the yellow power cable warning tape be placed?
Typically above the buried cable or cable duct, about 5–15 cm below final ground level.
3. Why is yellow chosen for power cables?
Yellow is internationally recognized for electrical hazard warnings and is mandated by many regional safety practices.
4. What material is used in these warning tapes?
High-strength polyethylene (PE) or PVC with UV-resistant color pigmentation.
5. How durable are these tapes in the Gulf climate?
With proper UV stabilization and quality printing, these tapes can last decades underground.
6. Can these warning tapes be used above ground?
They are designed for buried signaling but can be used above ground only for temporary warning if necessary.
7. Do I need to record the warning tape location?
Yes, always update utility maps/GIS with tape depth and position.
8. Are there standards for printing on the tape?
Yes, clear bold warnings like “Caution – Electric Cable Below” help comply with safety norms.
9. What tape thickness is recommended?
100–200 microns is common; choose thicker tape for heavy construction zones.
10. Can these tapes prevent accidental cable damage?
Yes, encountering the warning tape often prevents excavation damage before reaching live cables.
The high-visibility marking tape for underground utilities solared in Saudi are yellow warning tapes designed to mark the location of buried electric power lines and electrical conduit before excavation and are used throughout the SEC footprint as part of construction of substations, utility corridors, roadway and infrastructure projects.
Saudi Ducts, EPC contractors, utilities and infrastructure developers can find previously approved manufacturers or suppliers of:
✔ Factory fabricated Saudi Electricity-Compliant Warning Tape
✔ Polyethylene durable materials that can be buried directly
✔ Bold, legible warning messages for identifying buried power
✔ Bulk quantities to support large infrastructure and utilities projects
✔ Delivery support services to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, NEOM and the GCC region.
👉Warning Tapes – Product Category
👉Telecom & Utility Infrastructure Accessories
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What Is the Yellow Warning Tape of Saudi Electricity?
The yellow warning tape for Saudi Electricity is the tape used to identify the location of buried utilities being installed above underground electrical cables (conduits) as a warning for crews digging near utility installation/placement sites (e.g., digging, trenching, planting). The color of this warning tape (yellow) serves as an immediate visual alert to excavation crews working in the area about potential hazards from live electrical equipment that may be situated below ground.
Featured-snippet ready definition:
Saudi Electricity Warning Tape is a yellow polyethylene tape placed above buried power cables to alert excavators and prevent accidental damage to underground electrical infrastructure.
| Feature | Electricity Warning Tape (Yellow) | Telecom Warning Tape |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Type | Electrical / Power Lines | Telecom / Fiber |
| Color | Yellow | Typically Orange |
| Use Case | Power cables, substations | Fiber & telecom ducts |
| Installation | Buried above electric lines | Buried above telecom ducts |